Shota Umino has opened up about the frightening injury that forced him out of NJPW’s G1 Climax 36, revealing that he suffered a concussion accompanied by amnesia and significant memory loss.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Umino recalled waking up in his hotel following his July 11 tournament match against Zack Sabre Jr. with no memory of how he had returned from the arena. “Before I knew it, I was in a hotel bed, and I don’t even remember how I got back from the arena.”
The concerning symptoms continued after Umino returned to Japan, where he experienced vomiting during the night before receiving his diagnosis. “Even after returning to Japan, I would vomit in the middle of the night, and the doctor diagnosed me with a concussion and amnesia.”
Umino believes the severity of the incident may have been compounded by the physical punishment he had already accumulated. “Since I had already been dealing with accumulated damage, I think that’s why it became so severe.”
Fortunately, Umino has since been medically cleared and says he has made a full recovery. “I’m 150% healthy.”
Umino is now preparing to return to action as part of NJPW’s upcoming Road to Destruction tour, and he already has his sights set on reclaiming the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.
Gabe Kidd defeated Umino for the championship on July 6 and is scheduled to defend the title against Drilla Moloney at Destruction in Kobe on September 27.
Umino made it clear that he has no intention of interfering in that championship match, but wants to put himself in position to challenge whoever emerges victorious.
After a serious health scare brought his G1 Climax campaign to an early end, Umino’s focus now turns toward returning to the ring and working his way back to the championship he lost earlier this summer.
